An inflamed or damaged liver leaks higher amounts of enzymes into the bloodstream, which only a routine blood test will recognize. Elevated liver enzymes might not be the result of a serious, chronic illness, but your doctor will need to determine the cause. The type of elevated liver enzyme can provide clues when determining a cause. The types of enzymes most often elevated, according to MayoClinic.com, are alanine transaminase --- ALT --- and aspartate transaminase --- AST. With your doctor's approval and supervision, there are a few natural, non-pharmaceutical ways you might be able to reduce liver enzymes.
Step 1
Talk to your doctor about your desire to reduce your liver enzymes naturally. Your doctor can tell you what liver enzymes are elevated and provide you with information about the cause. If you have a serious illness, he can tell you about treatment standards and ways to reduce liver enzymes.
Step 2
Consume a nutritious diet rich in healthy carbohydrates like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Avoid salt because sodium causes fluid accumulation, which can already be a symptom of liver damage. Don't eat raw shellfish if you have cirrhosis, since it can contain an infection-causing bacterium.
Step 3
Lose weight. Obesity is a common cause of elevated liver enzymes, indicates MayoClinic.com. Trimming as little as 5 percent of your weight can reduce enzymes. Accomplish this with a healthy, low-fat diet and exercise.
Step 4
Don't drink alcohol. Depending on why you need to reduce your liver enzymes, you may be able to drink alcohol in moderation, but always talk to your doctor. Alcohol causes liver damage and it is hard for a damaged liver to rid itself of the substance.
Tips and Warnings
- A normal ALT level in the blood is 0 to 40 IU/L and a normal AST level is 0 to 45 IU/L. Certain medications like antibiotics, anti-seizure drugs, cholesterol medications and some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like acetaminophen can elevate liver enzymes. Talk to your doctor about discontinuing or changing these medications, if necessary.
- Signs and symptoms of liver disease include fatigue and weakness, loss of appetite and nausea, abdominal swelling and pain, jaundice, itching, dark urine and pale stools. See a doctor promptly if you have these symptoms.
